Atomstack A5 Pro+ features a new upgraded ultra-fine compressed laser, which helps to improve the performance of this engraver. In addition, the laser is equipped with focusing technology and four (4) times lens group collimation. As a high-density laser, the A5 Pro+ engraving machine can easily cut 15mm thick wood boards, 12mm black acrylic, and can clearly engrave ceramic and mirror stainless steel metal.
So far, the optical power of this engraving machine is 5.5W to 6W, and the laser focus area is greatly reduced to 0.02mm². As a powerful engraving machine, the ATOM STACK A5 Pro+ can engrave large areas of metal and wood according to your tasks. The engraving effect is improved, and the metal engraving speed is increased to 200%.
In terms of design, Atomstack A5 Pro+ adopts a modular design, users can easily upgrade or replace parts to achieve more functions. There is a screw button embedded in this router, which makes it easy to adjust the height of this router. Compatible operating software includes; LaserGRBL, LightBurn, support Win XP, Win 7, Win 8, XP, Win 10, Win 11 systems.
You'll need to be prepared to tinker with your settings in order to find the ideal settings for cutting and engraving different materials. The more you fine-tune your Atomstack, the better your results will be. Be prepared and buy some extra materials to practice with. Don't invest in expensive items to carve or cut without knowing the exact settings you need, or you'll ruin it.
I highly recommend that you put something under the device to protect the surface. I use 1/2" plywood. If you just place the device directly on the table and start cutting, you will be cutting into the surface below.
I used Atomstack to carve a grid pattern into the plywood I used as a base. This greatly helps to line up your items for cutting/engraving.
Just in case you didn't know, Atomstack doesn't come with software. You can use one of the many packages available, but the main 2 are Laser GRBL and Lightburn. From my trials I found that this laser cutter works better with the Laser GRBL than with the controller software's Lightburn. Lightburn costs $60, Laser GRBL is free. You can try Lightburn for free to see if it works for you, but I can guarantee that if you plan on using it multiple times a year, Lightburn is the way to go.
When I use the LaserGRBL, the laser never seems to hit full power despite reports. It takes 4-5 cuts to cut 2 mm of basswood.
The same cut can be done in Lightburn in just 2 passes using the same speed and power settings. Lightburn also has many important features that GRBL lacks.
I also highly recommend investing in an exhaust system as it creates a lot of smoke which can easily set off the smoke alarm. Also, cutting/engraving materials such as PVC and acrylic create toxic fumes that you definitely don't want to inhale.
I built an exhaust system using the following components to suck all the mess out there. It works very well and is not very expensive. If you can afford it, I'd go for a fan with a higher wattage than what I'm used to. Mine absorbs most of the stuff, but occasionally a small portion can escape the suction.